Clarke has impressed during his loan spell with Yeovil Town and his fine form has reportedly attracted interest from other clubs, including some from the Champiosnhip.

The Coventry-born defender joined the Glovers in a deal that saw Aaron Martin heading to the Ricoh Arena at the end of October and he has made seven appearances with the Huish Park club, scoring three times.

Clarke, whose contract with Coventry expires in the summer, has missed the Glovers' last three matches with a hamstring strain and he could return to the Sky Blues in January when his loan finishes.

Boro are rumoured to be one of the sides that have watched the 23-year-old in action for the Glovers with the Western Gazette suggesting the North East side would provide competition to Yeovil for his signature in January.

Glover boss Johnson had confirmed earlier in the month that he would like Clarke to stay on a permanent basis while Pressley is keen to keep Martin at the Ricoh Arena.

Johnson said: “At the right time we will talk. You can’t stop speculation, you can’t stop agents doing their job and their work, but he seems to be enjoying himself here at the moment and hopefully we can keep him for a little bit longer.”